Thomas Callaghan (6 December 1944 – 25 October 2024) was a Scottish professional footballer who played for Celtic, Dunfermline Athletic and Clydebank. He was a left-sided midfielder known for his long attacking runs from deep positions and powerful shot. Callaghan won multiple honours with Celtic.
Career Born in Cowdenbeath, he signed for Celtic from Dunfermline on 22 November 1968 for a reported £35,000. He scored on his debut the following day in a 4–0 win over Partick Thistle at Firhill. Callaghan played in the infamous European Cup semi-final tie against Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park on 10 April 1974.'Celtic 0-0 Atleti'. UEFA, undated. Retrieved 10 September 2026 After making more than 250 appearances for Celtic, Callaghan moved to Clydebank on 4 November 1976. He scored for his new club on his debut three days later. He left Clydebank in 1978 to become player-manager of Galway Rovers in Ireland.
Callaghan represented the Scottish League twice and gained his first Scottish Cup winner's medal while with Dunfermline in 1968, his final season with the Fife club.
Personal life His brother Willie played for Dunfermline and Scotland, and his father William, maternal uncles Patrick Flannigan and David Flannigan, son Tommy Callaghan JrCallaghan, Tommy 1998-2001, Partick Thistle History Archive nephew Willie Callaghan Jr, and grand-nephew Liam CallaghanMontrose FC duo appear in court in Dublin charged with assault and obstructing police, Stefan Morkis, The Courier, 13 December 2019 all played football.Cowdenbeath's Liam Callaghan given Birmingham trial, BBC Sport, 18 November 2011Four generations with the Cowden, David Allan, Central Fife Times, 28 November 2011
On 25 October 2024, Callaghan died at the age of 79.
Honours Celtic Scottish League Division One (6): 1969–1974 Scottish Cup: 1971, 1972, 1974 Scottish League Cup: 1969, 1970'Callaghan, Tommy'. The Celtic Wiki, 2024. Retrieved 10 September 2026
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